The EPI Foundation

Focal Point for the Implementation of the Elephant Protection Initiative and its Objectives

Registered as a charity in England and Wales, and regulated by the Charity Commission, the EPI Foundation is the legal entity charged with supporting the EPI member states to implement their individual and collective commitments to elephant conservation.

The Secretariat is staffed by an Executive Management team of experienced conservationists and overseen by a highly respected Board of Trustees.

Working in coordination with member state governments, their appointed National Focal Points, NGO partners, and the EPI's other structures, the EPI Foundation is at the heart of efforts to protect Africa's elephants.

Our Board of Trustees

The EPI's Secretariat is overseen by a team of passionate and highly experienced conservationists, bringing together the very best in technical and operational knowledge. Beyond their fiduciary duty, our Trustees provide important guidance in the implementation of the Secretariat's work to support member countries across the continent.

Sharon Ikeazor

Chair, Board of Trustees
Former Minister of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Sharon Ikeazor, CON, was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees of the EPI Foundation in 2025. She is a seasoned legal practitioner and public servant from Nigeria. As Minister of State for the Environment and for Niger Delta Affairs, she championed protection of biodiversity and sustainable development. She continues to lead efforts promoting inclusive governance in conservation, amplifying the voices of women and youth in protecting Africa’s natural heritage.

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Professor Lee White, OBE

Trustee
Former Minister of Water, Forests, the Sea and the Environment, Gabon

Professor Lee White, OBE, is an internationally respected conservationist with over 30 years’ experience in African forest and wildlife protection. As Gabon’s Minister of Water, Forests, the Sea and the Environment, he played a pivotal role in establishing the country as a global leader in forest elephant conservation. His leadership was instrumental in implementing ground-breaking surveillance systems to combat poaching and in securing carbon financing to preserve elephant habitats.

Ian Craig

Trustee
Executive Director, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Ian Craig is a pioneer of community-led wildlife conservation in East Africa. As Executive Director of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, he transformed his family ranch in northern Kenya into a haven for endangered species. Ian is also a founding member of the Northern Rangelands Trust, which today supports over 40 community conservancies across Kenya, helping to protect critical elephant corridors and reduce human-wildlife conflict. His work has directly contributed to the recovery of elephant populations in the region.

Dr M. Sanjayan

Trustee
Former CEO, Conservation International

Sanjayan is a globally recognised conservation scientist whose work emphasises the essential role of nature in human prosperity. As former CEO of Conservation International, he led major initiatives across Africa and Asia to protect keystone species, including elephants, by preserving landscapes critical to their survival. Sanjayan has been a prominent voice in advancing nature-based climate solutions and supporting indigenous communities in safeguarding elephant habitats. Through his media work and science-based advocacy, he continues to raise global awareness of the ecological and cultural significance of elephants and the urgent need for their protection.

Meet the Team

Chief Executive Officer

John E Scanlon AO

John is a seasoned leader in the fields of environment and sustainable development, with a unique range of experience gained across multiple continents, disciplines and organizations. He has served in senior positions in the private sector, with government, international organisations, the United Nations, and not-for-profit organisations.

Director of Programmes

Ruth Musgrave

Ruth has a Masters in conservation and has been working in the sector for the past 25 years. She spent 15 years living in Gabon and Tanzania, working for WCS predominantly supporting National Park management, and law enforcement and its monitoring via SMART. She’s worked for the EPI since 2014 and has lead the development and implementation of the tools to support management of stockpiles.

Director of State Engagement & Programme Support

Ulysse Korogone

Ulysse is a forest engineer holding a Masters degree in Ecology. He has been working for the past ten years with the Government of Benin as a Senior Forest Officer, where he gained experience in wildlife monitoring and conservation. He also has a strong background in project management including, planning, finance, administration and field work. He conducted the Process of Benin adhesion to EPI in 2020 and was the first National Focal Point of Benin.

Director of National Elephant Action Plans

Dr Hugo Jachmann

Hugo is a wildlife ecologist with a Ph.D. in elephant ecology and more than 45 years of experience with wildlife research, management and law enforcement. Hugo’s last long-term posting was with the Netherlands Development Organisation in Ghana, seconded to the Wildlife Division as Senior Technical Advisor wildlife management.

Head of Operations & Finance

Harry Thorold

Harry is an Associate Chartered Accountant and has a decade of experience working in finance and audit. Harry is a passionate environmentalist, and also serves as a Trustee to a London based charity providing free sports courses to children.

Senior Communications Advisor

Barnaby Phillips

Barnaby spent 15 years at the BBC reporting from Africa. He was based in Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa. In 2006 he joined Al Jazeera English, reporting from around the world. After 27 years in journalism, Barnaby joined the EPI in 2018.

Digital Communications Manager

Clara G. Rincuni

Clara holds a Master’s degree in Communication, a Bachelor’s in Information Technology, and a Higher Diploma in Psychology. Backed by this multidisciplinary academic foundation, she is a seasoned communications and marketing professional with over 8 years of experience across the Advertising, Media, and NGO sectors in Kenya. Clara leverages her diverse expertise to develop strategic, audience-focused campaigns that drive impact, influence, and measurable outcomes.

Programme Officer

Chloe Desesquelles

Chloe has 10 years of experience with international organizations, and has been managing multi-country conservation projects across Africa since 2021. With a background in international relations and criminology, she brings expertise in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Before joining the EPI, she worked with WCS in Central and East Africa.

Stockpile Management System Manager

Kiprotich Biwott

With a background in Applied Computer Science, Kiprotich is based in Kenya as a senior project manager for Bityarn Consult, with experience implementing information systems for wildlife protection, including the EPI’s ivory Stockpile Management System.

Project Officer - Lusophone Africa

José Pedro Agostinho

José has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from Robert Kennedy University in Switzerland. He has over 28 years’ experience working in senior positions for international organisations. This has included NGOs, government, UN Agencies and corporates, overseeing and implementing conservation projects for stockpile management, de-mining, and nutrition programs. José is based in Luanda, but he has travelled extensively across Angola and has a deep understanding of the country's culture, work environment, laws, practices and people. José also serves as a Trustee at the HALO Trust UK.

Special Advisor, Corporate Engagement

Alexander Stonor

Alex is a French-British commercial manager at a drilling firm in Africa, with a diverse background spanning humanitarian work, intelligence analysis, journalism, and ESG leadership. He advocates for practical, collaborative solutions that align economic development with ecological preservation. A passionate supporter of elephant conservation, he works with the Elephant Protection Initiative to connect extractive companies with efforts to protect elephant habitats.

Partner Organisations and Supporters

A number of leading international organisations have pledged themselves to the aims of the Elephant Protection Initiative and work in partnership with the EPI Secretariat to support and implement elephant conservation efforts throughout Africa.

Action for Elephants UK

Our work is supported by leading philanthropic organisations, institutional and private donors.